Occlusion device with flexible fabric connector

Abstract

An occlusion device includes a center assembly having a flexible section formed by a fabric connector. The flexible fabric connector gives the center assembly improved flexure characteristics, which allows the occlusion device to better conform to the contours of the heart.

1. An occlusion device comprising:
 a first occluding body; 
 a second occluding body; and 
 a center assembly comprising a proximal hub attached to the first occluding body, a distal hub attached to the second occluding body, a flexible tubular fabric connector having a proximal end attached to the proximal hub and having a distal end attached to the distal hub, and a safety tether extending through a center of the flexible tubular fabric connector between the proximal hub and the distal hub, wherein the safety tether has a proximal end attached to the proximal hub and a distal end attached to the distal hub, wherein the proximal end of the safety tether extends through the proximal hub and out a side of the proximal hub and the distal end of the safety tether extends through the distal hub and out a side of the distal hub. 
 
     
     
       2. The occlusion device of  claim 1  wherein an overall diameter of the flexible fabric connector is less than about 5 millimeters. 
     
     
       3. The occlusion device of  claim 1  wherein the safety tether comprises a wire. 
     
     
       4. The occlusion device of  claim 1  wherein the safety tether comprises a braided fabric. 
     
     
       5. The occlusion device of  claim 1  wherein the flexible tubular fabric connector comprises a single braided fabric strand extending between the proximal hub and the distal hub. 
     
     
       6. The occlusion device of  claim 1  wherein the flexible tubular fabric connector is braided. 
     
     
       7. The occlusion device of  claim 1  wherein the proximal end of the safety tether has a knot located on the side of the proximal hub, and the distal end of the safety tether has a knot located on the side of the distal hub. 
     
     
       8. The occlusion device of  claim 1  wherein the flexible tubular fabric connector extends over at least a portion of both the proximal hub and the distal hub. 
     
     
       9. The occlusion device of  claim 1  wherein the first occluding body includes a plurality of arms extending outwardly from the proximal hub and the second occluding body includes a plurality of arms extending outwardly from the distal hub. 
     
     
       10. The occlusion device of  claim 6  wherein the flexible tubular fabric connector is formed from a single braided thread. 
     
     
       11. The occlusion device of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a grasping knob attached to the proximal hub.